Day Eighty-Nine: scout's honour

This story, about an instinctive act of heroism, grabbed my attention today. An attempt on the life of the Maldives' President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was foiled today - by a 15-year-old boy scout. The boy, Mohamed Jaisham, was in scout uniform at the time. Apparently, a 20-year-old youth stepped forward and tried to stab Gayoom with a kitchen knife as he walked through a crowd. Jaisham reacted swiftly, grabbing the knife and suffering some cuts to his hands - but leaving Gayoom unscathed. The knife wielder was arrested. According to today's linked article from the Hindustan Times (click the post title above) President Gayoom - Asia's longest serving leader and a somewhat controversial figure - has said he owes his life to Jaisham. Certainly, it was an extraordinarily brave and selfless act by the teenager. And according to more recent reports, his hand injury is not too serious, which is a blessing... Let's hope he recovers quickly.

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Thanks to RTBH reader, Iain, for sending me this really fascinating and uplifting video from the BBC today. It's about a man who has recreated his grandfather's wartime experience, by publishing his letters from the trenches, one by one - on a blog! It's a wonderful blending of history and modernity, telling a timeless story of the horrors of war - but also of the hopes that keep people going in such times. Thanks so much for sending it, Iain!

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And finally... thanks to BBC Radio 4's "PM" programme for mentioning Reasons to be Hopeful on their website - and thank you to RTBH reader Paul for tipping them off! Presenter Eddie Mair included a link to RTBH in his blog - and my stats counter went wild!! Cheers, Eddie.